Statistics

• Miscarriage occurs in roughly 15 to 20% of pregnancies and is highest within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Most pregnancies before the first trimester are often not reported.
•  According to StatsCan, of every 10 pregnancies past 20 weeks gestation, 1 will result in a loss
•  A statistical review from the CDC, that compares live births vs. fetal mortality rate and infant mortality, highlights that fetal mortality has increased
•  The psychological impacts of a pregnancy loss differ from person to person, but most often people go through a grieving process which could be short or long term. According to the American Psychological Association, psychological health implications on both the woman and her partner could last for years.
• In 2015, 25,000 Ontario patients visited the ER experiencing a pregnancy loss. Although this accounts for only 1% of ER admissions, clinical teams often do not have the resources necessary to handle the mental health effects of pregnancy loss.

Clinical Factors

• Mature age is a major factor in pregnancy loss as the quality of eggs decreases
• Abnormal Embryo and its Genetic impact – a poor quality egg and sperm generally results in a poor-quality embryo, thus limiting the probability of a healthy live birth. 60% of abnormal embryos result in pregnancy loss or still birth
• Congenital Factors (including recessive genes)
• Maternal Complications
  • Uterine – a healthy uterus ensures proper physiological support to the fetus
  • Maternal Health

 What to do?

• Most women do go on to have successful pregnancies after the loss
• Genetic Testing vs. Screening
• Technological advances provide testing to identify specific genetic defects of embryos to reduce the probability of pregnancy loss
  • Early screening during pregnancy to limit the physical and emotional implications of pregnancy loss at a later stage (NIPT)
  • Not all genetic tests and screens are made equal
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Psychological Factors
Psychological effects of pregnancy loss can last for years, and affect family

• Men are impacted emotionally with the loss and often mask their depression
  • Individuals often believe that the earlier the loss, the less concern it is for the woman experiencing the loss
  • Emotional effects of pregnancy loss can transition to the next pregnancy. Affecting the relationship between mother and child.
  • Women who experienced loss have a higher probability of developing postpartum depression

 October 15th is Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day

• Anova is providing a 6-week series of support group sessions that focus primarily on Pregnancy Loss. Contact us through our website for more information about registering.
•  Having a conversation about Pregnancy loss – more likely than not, someone you know has experienced one.
• Understanding that pregnancy loss is a loss, regardless of how early it is.
• Provide support to all members of the family experiencing loss
• A comprehensive support system is important in processing the loss

Websites:

ANOVA FERTILITY & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 

SUNNYBROOK: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (PAIL)